The child was brought to a local hospital on Feb. 18 with life-threatening injuries and unfortunately passed away later that same day. The hospital promptly contacted the Maine Department of Health and Human Services upon the child's arrival, leading to a police investigation.

An autopsy conducted by the chief medical examiner's office revealed that the child's death was determined to be a homicide. The boy's father, 33-year-old Joshua Smith, mother, 35-year-old Jem Bean, and grandmother, 56-year-old Mistie Latourette, were all arrested this week and charged with depraved indifference murder. They have been taken to Penobscot County Jail, with arrangements for their court appearance pending.

The case is currently under investigation as authorities work to uncover the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.